U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and law enforcement partners apprehended 214 illegal aliens during an enhanced targeted enforcement operation focusing on transnational organised crime, gangs, and egregious illegal alien offenders in Northern Virginia from March 1 to 13.
ICE and their law enforcement partners targeted transnational criminal organizations known to operate in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C. These organisations include the notorious MS-13 and 18th Street gangs.
“The agents and officers involved in this enhanced operation truly made a difference in the Northern Virginia communities. The apprehension of 214 alien offenders is impressive and was only made possible through strong partnerships,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck.
Heck added, “The level of dedication to this operation by the entire team was impressive to witness. Each of our law enforcement partners brought their own expertise to the mission. This was truly a team effort. ICE will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle transnational criminal organizations working in our neighbourhoods.”
During this enforcement operation, ICE and law enforcement partners targeted the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most gang-infested neighbourhoods in Northern Virginia, and this resulted in 214 arrests, said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russ Hott.
“The level of support ICE received from our partner law enforcement organizations was inspiring,” said Hott. “In the spirit of illicit gang activity, we are making gang members an offer they can’t refuse: leave the United States now. If you don’t, we will find you, and there will be consequences. We will arrest and prosecute you to the full extent of the law.”
Among those arrested during the enhanced targeted operation include a 26-year-old Salvadoran alien and member of MS-13 previously convicted of malicious wounding and larceny; a 46-year-old, previously removed Salvadoran alien and member of MS-13 previously convicted for carrying a concealed weapon, trespassing, illegal re-entry after removal, and disorderly conduct; and a 40-year-old Salvadoran alien and member of MS-13 who is wanted by authorities in El Salvador for aggravated extortion.
Others are a 37-year-old Jamaican alien previously convicted of second-degree murder and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, a 46-year-old Mexican alien previously convicted for indecent liberties with a minor and soliciting a minor for prostitution, and a 27-year-old Honduran alien previously convicted for object sexual penetration. The alien is currently detained pending removal proceedings.
